NextGen Open Call: Imagining Planetary Diplomacy

Are you 30 or younger and passionate about rethinking humans’ relationship with planet Earth? Submit your visions and ideas for a chance to present at the Swissnex Planetary Summit – where the next generation can guide the way for a more livable future on Earth.

Apply Now

Swissnex, a global network connecting Switzerland and the world in education, research, innovation, and the arts, is launching an open call specifically for young thinkers, innovators, and visionaries under 30 to reimagine planetary diplomacy. We’re asking: What would it mean to create diplomatic systems that represent more than just humans? How can your generation lead the way in building institutions and relationships that promote mutual care between humans and the more-than-human world – from coral reefs to forest ecosystems to the microbial networks that sustain all life?

As a member of the generation inheriting an earth that has been tilted profoundly out of balance, your perspective is essential. You’ve grown up understanding that human survival depends on planetary health. We want your bold ideas, disruptive visions, and the fresh thinking that only comes from those who will spend the next 50+ years living with the consequences of today’s decisions. Whether you’re a student, scientist, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone who wants to re-envision the status quo – we want to hear from you.

A diverse jury will select the most inspiring and thought-provoking submissions to join virtual or in-person programming at the Swissnex Planetary Summit, a distributed series of events at Swissnex locations across the globe in late 2025 and early 2026. You will connect with other thinkers, artists, and young leaders working together to reimagine and shape a future within a planetary framework.

The next generation won’t just inherit the Earth – it will transform how we live on and within it. Show us how.

Swissnex Planetary Summit

Winners, chosen by a diverse jury, will have their works featured at the Swissnex Planetary Summit, a distributed series of events across the global Swissnex network.

  • Brazil


    Swissnex in Brazil will feature selected works at the "Planetary Embassy," a pavilion developed for COP30 in the Amazonian city of Belém in November 2025.

  • United States


    Swissnex in Boston and New York will showcase selected works as part of an exhibition during the Swissnex Planetary Symposium in December 2025. One Swiss entry will be selected for a sponsored trip to Boston to participate in this weeklong program.

  • China


    Swissnex in China will showcase selected works as part of an exhibition during our planned PhD for the Planet initiative in Hong Kong in Spring 2026. Applicants from Greater China will be selected for a sponsored trip to participate.

  • India


    Swissnex in India will showcase selected works in early 2026.

How to Apply

Who Can Apply: 

You must be 30 years or younger on August 1, 2025. You can be studying, working, or otherwise engaged.

What to Submit: 

We seek compelling and visionary ideas for planetary diplomacy with a strong connection to science, policy, technology, innovation, and/or global cooperation. Your entry could be:

  • An outline for a new international agency
  • A video or audio file depicting an alternative future
  • An artwork that inspires visions for planetary diplomacy
  • OR anything else that inspires you!

The entry must be submitted in digital format (attachment or link) on our application page by August 1, 2025.

  • Written entries should be limited to 1000 words, and audio/video to under 5 minutes.
  • Artistic or other creative formats are encouraged.
  • If you use AI tools, their specific role in the creative process must be declared.
  • All submissions should be in English and represent original work.
  • Group submissions are welcome, but opportunities to present or travel may be limited to one member of the group.

Before submitting, we encourage you to consult our brief on planetary diplomacy. For any remaining questions, please reach out to [email protected].

 

About Swissnex

Swissnex is the global network of the State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation (SERI). First opened in 2000 in Boston, Swissnex orchestrates the exchange of ideas and people in order to tackle pressing global challenges and promote Swiss science, innovation, and arts.